2008 Hyundai Matrix petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Hyundai Matrix petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Hyundai Matrix petrol than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Rigid brake pipes2.8× usual
  Hyundai Matrix

  26.1% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.7% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.9× usual
  Hyundai Matrix

  19.2% All 2008 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Headlights2× usual
  Hyundai Matrix

  18.2% All 2008 cars

  9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 4.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Sub-frame2.3× usual
  Hyundai Matrix

  13.9% All 2008 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Ball joint1.9× usual
  Hyundai Matrix

  11.7% All 2008 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 3.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2008 Hyundai Matrix petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Hyundai Matrix petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  39% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  39% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  35% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Driveshafts and joints
  20% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Hyundai Matrix petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2008 Hyundai Matrix petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2008 Hyundai Matrix petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2008 Hyundai Matrix petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?